ISLAMABAD: The 28th Biennial International Pediatric Conference opened in Islamabad on Friday, bringing together doctors and medical experts from Pakistan and abroad to discuss the latest research, diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies in child healthcare.
Organized by the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) Federal Branch under the theme “Next-Generation Child Health Care: From Research to Excellence,” the three-day conference will continue until October 18 at the Serena Hotel Islamabad.
According to the organizers, more than 5,000 doctors and pediatric specialists from Pakistan and other countries are expected to attend. The conference is being held in Islamabad after a gap of 10 years.
Chairman Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony and addressed the gathering.
The opening day featured a scientific session on Immunization and Preventive Pediatrics, covering breastfeeding, life-course immunization, vaccine resistance, the threat of Meningococcal B disease and HPV vaccination.
Dr. Syed Saeed Qadir of UNICEF, Prof. Aqeel Khattak, Prof. Nuzhat Yasmeen and Dr. Saima Khurshid Zubair delivered keynote and invited presentations. Researchers also presented a study examining mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding immunization of children under five in Quetta.
The first plenary session featured Dr. Qurrat-ul-Ain of the UNICEF Punjab Field Office, who discussed community-level interventions aimed at saving the lives of newborns and children. Prof. Sohail Salat and Prof. Asghar Butt chaired the session, while Prof. Sughra Wahid moderated it.
Meetings of the Gold Medal Committee and the PPA Executive Committee were also held on the opening day.
Over the next two days, parallel sessions will focus on pediatric gastroenterology, critical care, endocrinology, hematology and oncology, and infectious diseases.
A dedicated session will also review national pediatric clinical practice guidelines covering convulsive status epilepticus, acute appendicitis, septic shock, organophosphorus poisoning and diabetic ketoacidosis in resource-limited settings.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. Dr. Maqbool Hussain said the event had brought leading pediatricians and international experts together to address major challenges in child health. He stressed the importance of providing children with care based on the latest evidence.
Dr. Raja Muhammad Imran, Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee and Head of the Media Cell and Chief Media Coordinator of the PPA Federal Branch, said the strong participation reflected the medical community’s commitment to improving child healthcare. He added that conference recommendations would help shape future health policy.
The organizers said the conference aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on modern medical research, disease diagnosis and treatment, medical technology and global scientific developments in child health.
New guidelines and policy recommendations on child health are also expected to be drafted during the conference and presented to government institutions to support improvements in Pakistan’s pediatric healthcare system.
Prof. Dr. Maqbool Hussain, President of the PPA Federal Branch and Chair of the Organizing Committee, described the conference as an important opportunity to promote academic and research collaboration in child health.
Prof. Dr. Nuzhat Yasmeen, Maj. Gen. (R) Prof. Salman Ali, Prof. Dr. Samia Naeemullah, Dr. J. Krishan, Dr. Aqeela Ayub, Dr. Jawad Jalil and Dr. Raja Muhammad Imran also contributed to the organization of the event.
The conference is being viewed by organizers and participants as an important platform for strengthening professional ties between Pakistani and international pediatricians, sharing medical knowledge and supporting efforts to improve the standard of child healthcare in Pakistan.